Li Madou: Combining Chinese and Western performers

This dissertation explores ways in which Chinese and Western instruments and musicians can be combined in order to develop a greater understanding of each other’s music from a variety of different perspectives. It documents the sequence of events and contemporary influences that encouraged the author to set up the ‘Li Madou Ensemble’, named after the historical figure important in the development of the interaction between China and the West. Alongside an exploration of the issues involved in the process of preparing the Li Madou Ensemble and delivering its first concert performance, there is analysis of feedback received through interviews with participants. A literature review contextualizes all this activity within a historical perspective of the interactions between Chinese and Western musicians. Within the project the idea is advanced that through a combination of music from two different cultures, a new way of seeing and understanding music from different perspectives may be provided.